Who is Charlie Brown Jr.? What to Know About Knicks' Summer League Star
Charlie Brown Jr. is a blockhead in the finest way possible: as it stands, he's one of nine participants in the ongoing Vegas Summer League who has both partaken in three games and averaging at least two rejections.
Brown is part of the Summer League subgenre that's more or less forced to treat the prospect showcase like the latter games of the NBA Finals. He's on a summer invite with the New York Knicks, looking to extend his career after appearing in 41 games over three seasons between Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Philadelphia, and Dallas after entering the Association as an undrafted free agent in 2019. He did not appear in any NBA games last season, instead starring for Philadelphia's G League squad in Delaware.
With the Knicks' main summer attractions (i.e. DaQuan Jeffries, Jacob Toppin) kept off the floor by injuries, Brown has taken advantage of the extended opportunity. He's the second-leading scorer (17.3 points per game) on the team behind Jeffries' single 20-point showing and the leader in blocks and steals (1.7).
“He can play multiple positions, he can handle the ball, he can rebound and he can push the ball,” Knicks Summer League coach Dice Yoshimoto told Zach Braziller of the New York Post after Brown tallied 19 points, six rebounds, and four blocks in an overtime victory over the Orlando Magic's prospects on Wednesday night. “(With) his versatility, he can do different things. The way that he handles himself, he’s done great so far.”
While the Knicks' crowded roster makes it incredibly difficult for Brown to make a Quentin Grimes-style leap from Vegas to Manhattan, he's leaving a lasting impression on observers. What else should fans know about the Sin City standout?
The Hawk Will Never Die
Brown is part of the Knicks' apparent obsession with Philadelphia basketball, but they've expanded beyond their Villanova network. He's the real deal as a native of the "Great Northeast," later starring for Imhotep Institute Charter before transferring to George Washington High School and playing a fifth year at St. Thomas More in Connecticut.
Further endeavors at Villanova's Big 5 rival, St. Joseph's University, awaited and Brown made an instant impact as a member of the Atlantic 10's All-Rookie team in 2017. Alas, a broken wrist sustained in a preseason practice stifled his momentum after earning third-team all-conference preseason honors, the ailment keeping him out of the entire 2017-18 campaign.
Brown made up for lost time to the tune of an A-10-best 19 points a game during his junior year, which led to him declaring for the NBA Draft. He was inspired in his comeback by his father Charlie Sr., who was also a collegiate star at North Carolina A&T.
“My dad has always been my coach and my dad,” Brown told Joe Mason of the Northeast Times during a 19-game tour with the 76ers in 2022. “When I was working my way up, I thought of my mom and dad. My dad never complains. They taught me to work hard. They come to every home game. I’m really blessed. My dad is a father and a coach, coaching me daily, always giving me pointers."
American 3
Knicks fans will no doubt keep an eye on the international activities of Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who are set to represent Team USA at the upcoming FIBA World Cup. A solid performance should ensure an invite back come the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
It's possible they could be joined by Brown, who has extensive experience in the national team's brief history in the 3x3 game. Of note, he was the MVP of the 2021 FIBA 3x3 AmeriCup, which saw the U.S. top Brazil in the final. More recently, Brown did battle with former collegiate sensation (and brief Knick) Jimmer Fredette at Team USA's 3X Nationals, named the MVP of the showcase and leading his team to a championship victory.
The U.S. failed to qualify for the inaugural 3x3 tournament at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. If they rectify that, expect Brown to accept the challenge if and when it's offered.
"It was a different style of basketball, but I caught on quickly," Brown told Team USA's official site. "If I get a chance to put USA across my chest, I’m going to do it."
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
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